Active presence of Christians in politics urged

Christianity will continue to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ through education and charitable works but what about political leadership? asks Br. Mani Mekkunnel, national secretary of Conference of Religious India (CRI).

"Christian leadership is largely missing in the newly-elected State Assemblies, but for the lone exception of Kerala. This calls for introspection, reflection and action on the part of the religious leaders," observed Mekkunnel, noting that the number of elected members is indicative of Christian empowerment dynamics.

"We do not promote communal politics. But active presence of Christians in politics is not only desired but an evangelical imperative," the Montfort Brother said.

"In West Bengal, where a revolution took place, there is just one Christian name. Though we cannot speak of any Christian influence in what happened with the political make over in that state where the Left Front was dislodged after its 34-year rule," he noted, adding "Mother Teresa brought the compassion of Christ to the poor but the leadership of Jesus is not visible in the political field."

Mekkunnel asks if the church leaders are satisfied in building such communities. "There have been meetings of bishops with the political leaders in trying to handle the post-election scenario. Is it not time to meet with the Christian leaders in the state and promote strategies for better involvement of the laity in their specific field?"

"The neighboring Puducherry, which is perceived as Christian due to its past French connections, also failed to elect a single community member. Though there were three Christian candidates none got through the democratic scrutiny," he continued.

"Assam returned a chief minister for the third time and affirmed a time of peace in the troubled state. There are four Christian names indicating a presence but not any influence. The Church has a strong presence in the whole of Northeast but the culture of political leadership is yet to be seen as a matter of priority."

The head of CRI, representing more than 125,000 Catholic Religious brothers, priests and nuns in India, opines that "our clerical set up and religious congregations have a responsibility to promote Christian leadership at all levels of society".

"A positive and promotive approach to the building up of leadership by the religious leaders can be a step forward," he suggests, adding "the Church has a very powerful presence in training young people through its schools and colleges but leadership seems to be a casualty."